The monsoon season is welcomed by most in India, but the country is lacking a pioneer in monsoon fashion. If you are a designer, it is the perfect time for you to make a splash! Literally.
Yes, the monsoons are here and while it a cause for celebration for many, some miss out on the pleasantries of the weather because they are too busy and confused deciding what to flaunt! Before everything, take a moment and think about where you are heading to? If you are to brave the incessant rains with large puddles, remember that it isn’t as easy as getting into a car and getting from point A to point B. At that point, besides getting to your destination in one piece, you also do want to look your best. So spend a few moments and mull your outfit’s looks versus the practicality and adaptability of it. For all those fashionistas, remember that monsoon fashion is fun fashion. Vivid and cheerful colours like corals, turquoises and yellows are seen all over the place. So don’t be afraid to experiment!
The Monsoon Collection from Burberry focuses on summer-friendly colours. Yellow, green, red and purple are featured on vibrant outerwear jackets, boots, flip-flops and leather accessories, while showcasing the iconic Burberry print – so remember to check it out!
Importantly enough, remember that the rainy season is not a good time for fashion enthusiasts as it dampens their spirit of donning their best outfits and footwear. Footwear, especially, should be chosen carefully. It’s very essential as the right kind of footwear helps us to tread through those frustrating potholes and muddy puddles.
Monsoon wear as a separate segment in a country like India is still catching up. A market for rainwear does exist in India, because Indians, who are well-travelled, would like to flaunt stylish but protective gear in these rainy months. An untapped segment yet, there is hardly anyone in the country who is at the forefront when it comes to monsoon fashion. But with time, who knows?
Playing around with the limited options that we have in India, ace fashion stylist and costume designer, Ms Pernia Qureshi and designer duo Lecoanet Hemant, talk about monsoon collections and how to look your best in this rampant season.
How is a monsoon collection different from the spring/summer and autumn/ winter collection?
“I wasn’t aware that designers made specific monsoon collections. I guess in a place like Mumbai specially you may need it. Clothes for monsoon have to be waterproof. That’s a given!” said Ms Qureshi. Mr Sagar, on the other hand, guided that a monsoon collection needs to be water repellent and also let the skin breathe. “A nearly impossible combination I’d say!” he said.
Which specific colours and fabrics work best in the rainy season? Monsoon trends?
“For monsoons, I would advise darker colours so that even if there is a chance for you to get wet and enjoy the rains, you are well-protected and your clothes are not see-through. The best items for the rain are a chic trench coat to throw over everything, some rain boots for walking and a monster size umbrella and you are set!” said Ms Qureshi. Mr Sagar opined that there are no monsoon trends, since nobody has done a monsoon collection as yet!
Any one particular brand at the forefront for monsoon fashion?
Ms Qureshi instantly exclaimed, “Burberry! Their trench coats and rain boots are extremely chic and stylish and also shelter you from the rains. Perfect!” Mr Sagar on the other hand vouched for Geox.
Even if it brings along many infuriating moments with it, monsoons are a welcome respite from the scorching summer months. So sit back, enjoy the clouded skies with a mug of coffee, take advantage of the experimenting nature of fashions in this season and make the most of it!
